Thanks for joining me on my very first Cowboy
Kisses
blog post. I’m dying to know what everyone
likes to read about here. In writer’s
Facebook groups, new authors often ask if they need to hire an editor and have
their work edited before they self-publish their book. This question makes me cringe. No matter how experienced a writer is, or how
many books to their credit, a writer’s words will always be improved by a round
of good editing. The key being “good”
editing. Which is a topic for another
day. (Over the years I’ve had some
dreadful copyright editors whom I’ve refused to work with)
Lately I’ve had an interesting experience in the
world of edits. I’ve been comparing,
line by line, the final version of my accepted manuscript to the traditionally published
book. At the time of publishing I accepted those changes because they improved my work. Years later, I am a bit shocked at the visual
proof my over-wordiness. Plus I see all
my bad habits corrected.
I consider myself a lean and clean writer, which is
clearly not always the case because, like all writers, I love words. I am also deeply dismayed when I find a typo
that was missed by not only me, but an entire team of editors, copy editors and
proofreaders at a New York publishing house.
If, while reading a published book, you come across
one or two typos forgive us; we are human.
If, however, the book is riddled with errors, that author didn’t take
the appropriate time and care, which makes me not want to invest the time to
read it.
How do you feel?
Are you bothered by multiple errors and typos in published books? Or are
you so immersed in the story they don’t matter?
Lately I’ve been working on a series of sweet
western historicals, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, yet I couldn’t resist mixing things up with a very steamy
contemporary western, UNTAMED. After
all, variety is the spice of life. And
thanks to the electronic book world, readers have more choices than ever
before.
Taking a chance in the new Wild West. The chance to be someone else. The chance to be with him.
“Imagine Nancy Drew meets Sex in the City.” Roundtable Reviews.
See you next month!
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Nice 1st blog, Kathleen! That dreaded red pencil takes me back to school, when some of my teachers used them. Hugs to you and we're so happy to have you as part of the team!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie. Good to be here.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Kathleen, to me mistakes in books aren't too bad at all, unless the book is full of them. Mistakes happen, we are all human. I enjoyed reading your first blog. And yes, when I was in school, I remember that red pencil! Have a Great rest of the week. God Bless you. Your book sounds very good and I love the cover, it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi: Another new perspective at Cowboy Kisses. all of you ladies are great and I so enjoy all the posts. Loved the Nancy Drew meets Sex in the City. I guess I don't mind a few errors when reading, although if it is something that sneaked through in one of my books it bugs me no end!
ReplyDeleteThank Alicia and Gini for taking the time to welcome me here and comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Cowboy Kisses blog, Kathleen. I dread making mistakes in my writing - whether it's in a book or even a blog comment - like here. I know errors will happen though. It's inevitable because "to err is human" (and hopefully!) "to forgive divine."
ReplyDelete